08/08/2026
Dear friends,
Some of you will have known me as Keith, so I wanted to share a little news. During a beautiful two-week retreat at Padmaloka, I was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order by Nandaketu. My new name is Manishura — 'He who is a hero through and for the Three Jewels.' My good friend ( formerly known as Nigel ) was ordained on the same day by Samudraghosha, and is now Utpaladhara, 'He who holds the blue lotus.'
The retreat held around ten days of silence, and it was a real gift to have all that space and to settle so deeply into the meditations. I'm still taking in everything that happened — but it was, without doubt, a deeply positive and energising experience. And it feels like just the right moment to be starting something new together.
Which brings me to our next course. Vision and Transformation begins on Tuesday 18th August — Buddhism for the head and the heart.
Buddhism offers an inspiring vision of what it means to be a human being — and it doesn't stop there. It also gives us practical ways to transform our emotions, and our lives, in the light of that vision. Following on from Radical Dharma – The Technology of Change, and using the same blend of teaching, discussion, meditation and practical exercises, these six weeks will help you learn to meditate, deepen your vision, grow in emotional warmth and positivity, and bring the wisdom of Buddhism into every part of your life.
Everyone is welcome, including complete beginners. It's a drop-in class, so come to as many evenings as you can — it really doesn't matter if you miss some. If you've been away for a while, this is the perfect moment to step back in.
Where & when: Millbridge Rooms, Hertford — Tuesday evenings, 7pm for 7.20pm.
And before all that — this coming Tuesday, 11th August, Mark shares the story of his own spiritual journey in our Meet the Mitras series. Well worth coming along.
Hope to see you soon.
Very warm wishes
Manishura
